Iran and Oman are reportedly nearing an agreement that would grant Iran full control over ships entering the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes as a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran enters its sixth day. The proposed deal would involve vessels heading into the Persian Gulf transiting a channel controlled by Iran, while ships leaving the Gulf would travel through a channel near Oman.
The US Navy has been recommending transits close to the Omani coastline, and Iran has been pushing shipping toward its shores, due to the threat of mines in the middle of the Strait. The new plan would expand the use of these traffic patterns, potentially requiring the US Navy to seek permission to enter the Persian Gulf and make transits deep in Iranian waters.
The accord includes a charge for service fees to cover environmental impact, security, and staffing, with revenues divided equally between Iran and Oman. However, a US official has disputed the Iranian account, stating that any temporary routes established through the Strait would not involve approvals or permissions by Iran, and would involve no tolls.
